HKScan invests in Kristianstad plant in Sweden

Nordic food company HKScan has invested approximately €7m to carry out upgrade works at its Kristianstad plant in Sweden.

The investment is expected to modernise the pig slaughterhouse at the site and strengthen HKScan’s operational footprint.

HKScan operations executive vice-president Sami Sivuranta said: “HKScan’s investment increases production efficiency, enhances the work environment and improves food safety at the Kristianstad plant.

“The investment will also result in considerable energy savings and reduced water consumption.

“Simultaneously, it is an important step in HKScan’s strategic development roadmap of its operations and it supports the Group’s ambition towards certifying the plant for export to China.”

The company had previously made larger investments in its Kristianstad facility in order to improve animal welfare and food safety.

HKScan Sweden executive vice-president Sofia Hyléen Toresson said: “In our home markets, HKScan is the link between tens of thousands of farmers and millions of consumers.

“By taking responsibility for the entire value chain from farm to fork, we enable not only the consumers today, but also future generations to enjoy sustainably and responsibly produced meat.

“With this investment, we can further modernise our operations and better respond to consumer expectations regarding sustainable production.”

The latest investment is primarily focused on the first section of the slaughter line.

HKScan’s development strategy emphasises innovation, productivity and sustainability.

The company employs more than 7,300 personnel and is engaged in the production and selling of sustainably produced pork, beef, poultry and lamb products, in addition to charcuterie and meals.

Its brands include HK, Scan, Rakvere, Kariniemen, Rose, Pärsons and Tallegg.

HKScan exports to more than 50 countries worldwide and posted net sales of €1.8bn during 2017.